I'm planning a Southwest USA tour that can only take place in late July to early August. Roughly speaking, it's San Francisco, Yosemite, Death Valley, Las Vegas, Zion NP, Monument Valley, Grand Canyon NP, Havasupai, Los Angeles.
I've read that this is when most rain falls, though it is a desert after all, so I'm sure how much rain there really is.
As part of this tour, I'd like to hike down into the canyons.
Specifically, Havasupai in Arizona (a side canyon of the Grand Canyon), and The Narrows in Zion National Park.
I realise that if there is heavy rain then this can lead to flash flooding, and then these canyons would be closed/ evacuated.
What should I do?
As it's high season, life will be easier if I have pre-booked accommodation. Having never visited this region, though, I don't know how crucial this is.
If I pre-book everywhere and I get to the canyons, I'm kind of stuck. I can't 'skip and move on'. I know I could find an alternative for the day or two, but I'd really rather not. Another potential option is to 'save up' lost days and (doing the tour in reverse), make a detour to the Humboldt Redwoods State Park.
If I don't book, could I risk wasting lots of time and money finding a hotel? Note: I would consider camping for, say, half of the nights.
Anyway, how likely is 'rain so heavy that it prevents canyon entry' anyway? Should I really be that worried?
Cheers :)